LA-based hairstylist, educator, DESIGNME Guest Creative Director and SalonCentric #ItTakesAProTeam Artist Philip Wolff has worked to break the mold of the stereotypical male hairdresser and to redefine the image. He's crisscrossed the country and the globe, refining his unique skill set of classic and modern cutting and styling techniques, while bestowing his talents upon his celebrity. model and high-profile clientele, and sharing his craft with students alike.
Born in Landstuhl, Germany, Wolff spent his childhood in Europe before moving to America in his early teens. Long fascinated with the arts, he began his career in 1998 apprenticing at famed TONI&GUY, following up his training with the prestigious Privé Salon in Los Angeles where he would eventually serve as Artistic Director for five years before moving on in 2010 to develop WOLFFBEHR education with fellow artist, Chief Behr. Channeling his experience and talent, he later partnered with Zen Master Scissors to design and create his very own pair of shears, the Wolff Shear.
SalonCentric: What values from your culture do you credit for helping you achieve your success today?
Philip Wolff: "I am from a mixed-race upbringing my mother being mixed-Asian and my father being mixed-white American/European and part Native American. The mix of values from my parents stayed with me growing up, teaching me the importance of having a great work ethic, the value of patience and to not expect anything overnight."
SC: From when you started to now, is there a career win that stands out in your memory?
PW: "One of the greatest career wins for me was succeeding in a plan of giving up a huge clientele, moving 3,000 miles away to start all over again and not have to come back.
And 19 years later, I'm still going at it thankfully. It was a very humbling experience, but it taught me so much and looking back, I'm glad it all happened the way it did."
SC: Any next steps to share?
PW: "For the rest of this year, my great friend Alfredo Lewis and I will be touring across the U.S. on our Boss Up tour. It will be a full 8-hour day of open discussion, social media, business and brand building, haircutting, hair coloring, food, massive giveaways, crazy swag bags and a lot of fun."
